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BushFire Zone Decking

We have extensive experience in building decks in bush fire zones of all levels, bush fire attack levels (BAL) is the code which indicates the level of risk a property is deemed to have in the event of a bush fire.

BushFire Zone Decking

Our un-paralleled experience in building within bush fire zones from the highest FZ rating with full steel frame and cement board decks to the more common lower levels of 12.5 to 29 that are most common within the Sydney metro region.

Hardwoods can still be used in areas unto and including BAL 29, after that options are composite boards such as Modwood Flame Shield which is suitable in BAL40, then in the most at risk areas the James Hardie deck cement deck board and clip lock system is the best option giving maximum protection.

See below for a brief breakdown of the requirements for each BAL level.

BAL RatingsDeck Construction Requirements
BAL-LOWNo special requirements
BAL-12.5Enclosed sub-floor spaces - no special requirements for materials, except within 400mm of the ground. No special requirements for framing or supports. Decking to be non-combustible or bushfire resistant within 300mm horizontally and 400mm vertically from a glazed element. Any hardwood deck board can be used
BAL-19Enclosed sub-floor spaces - no special requirements for materials, except within 400mm of the ground. No special requirements for framing or supports. Decking to be non-combustible or bushfire resistant within 300mm horizontally and 400mm vertically from a glazed element. Any hardwood deck board can be used.
BAL-29Enclosed sub-floor space or non-combustible or bushfire-resistant timber supports. Decking must be non-combustible. Any hardwood deck board can be used.
BAL-40Enclosed sub-floor space or non-combustible supports. Decking must be non-combustible. Modwood flame shield boards can be used.
BAL-FZEnclosed sub-floor space or non-combustible supports. Decking to have no gaps and be non-combustible. Hardie deck cement boards with clip lock system can be used.

Tips for decking in bush fire zones:

  • Keep your verandah well maintained by sealing timber with a non-combustible seal.
  • Fill in small gaps around the deck structure where an ember might be able to lodge – larger openings can be fitted with ember guards such as perforated mesh with 2mm openings.
  • Check that decking is spaced at around 2 – 4mm; gaps of 5 – 10mm have been shown to be particularly vulnerable to ember attack.
  • Remove leaves and twigs from the roof and gutters.
  • Enclose the subfloor of the verandah using mesh or bushfire resisting timbers; species such as Ironbark,Tallowwood, Blackbutt and Spotted Gum as it is suitable for use in bushfire prone areas up to BAL 29, as set out under Australian Standard AS3959
  • Flammable shrubs and woodchips, that in the event of a bushfire will become fuel, should not be used for landscaping immediately adjacent to the deck; decorative stones and more fire resistant plant species could be substituted.
  • If in any doubt contact your local fire authority for more information

If you are in any doubt as to which BAL level you are in you can contact your local council who can tell you.

Please call us on 1300 433 254 for any further information on bush fire decks.

BushFire Zone Decking

Do you love the great outdoors and want to enjoy it from the privacy of your own home? Has living in a bushfire prone area put you off building your outdoor space with a beautiful deck?

You can still enjoy the benefits of a deck surrounded by towering eucalypts, you just need to understand the risks and be aware of any additional design, specification and construction parameters required, like using fire-resistant decking materials.

Introducing HardieDeck™ decking – there is no deck that handles the heat quite like it. HardieDeck™ decking is deemed non-combustible and can be installed in bushfire areas up to BAL-FZ, so you can still enjoy outdoor living at its best.

If you take the time to research and build a deck that meets your local area Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating, you stand a better chance of protecting your home from bushfire or ember attacks.

Decking Sydney supply and install custom made staircases using either galvanised steel powder coated aluminium or stainless steel

Privacy screens can also be installed in bush fire zone areas using powder coated alumium.

For Balustrade’s in bushfires zones, we offer a choice of Frameless glass /Stainless Steel posts and handrail rails with tension wires or vertical powder coated aluminium balustrades.

To cover youre outdoor deck we also offer pergolas  built using powder coated aluminium or Powder coated galvanised steel to be fully bushfire zone compliant

“Build with total peace of mind and build with the experts in bushfire zone. Decking Sydney”

Flame Shield by Modwood

Hardie Deck

Rating Bal 40

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